Who painted Plate 54: Hairy Dragonfly and Two Darters?

Plate 54: Hairy Dragonfly and Two Darters was painted by Joris Hoefnagel in 1594.

Where can I see Plate 54: Hairy Dragonfly and Two Darters?

Plate 54: Hairy Dragonfly and Two Darters is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plate 54: Hairy Dragonfly and Two Darters?

Plate 54: Hairy Dragonfly and Two Darters is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Plate 54: Hairy Dragonfly and Two Darters?

Museum-quality prints of Plate 54: Hairy Dragonfly and Two Darters are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Plate 54: Hairy Dragonfly and Two Darters

Joris Hoefnagel , 1594

Plate 54: Hairy Dragonfly and Two Darters is a gouache drawing by the Renaissance artist Joris Hoefnagel. It dates from 1594 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:Center right in brown ink: LIV. Facing page: Upper center in blue/black ink: Quis adiuvit spiritum domini? Aut quis consiliari[us] / eius fuit, et ostendit illi. Isa 40. (“Who has forwarded the spirit of the Lord? Or who has been his counsellor and has taught him?” Isaiah 40:13) (Latin Vulgate Bible)

About this work

Overview

Plate 54: Hairy Dragonfly and Two Darters is a drawing created around 1594 by Joris Hoefnagel, a Flemish artist known for his natural history illustrations.

Technique & Style

The work combines watercolor, gold paint, and actual dragonfly wings on parchment, showcasing Hoefnagel's innovative use of materials to achieve a lifelike effect.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing presents a detailed study of two dragonfly species, demonstrating Hoefnagel's artistic precision and naturalistic observation.

Context

Hoefnagel's work contributed to the evolution of northern European art, bridging the gap between manuscript illumination and independent still-life painting.